France: Snelac Comments on the Current Covid-19 Restrictions Easing and Reopening Plan of the Government

After the French government published a multi-stage plan last week for easing the Covid-19 restrictions in the country – which, however, left open when exactly amusement parks, zoos and water parks will be allowed to reopen (cf. EAP news of 29 April and 4 May 2021) – the French association of leisure and culture businesses, the Snelac (Syndicat National des Espaces de Loisirs, d’Attractions et Culturels), has now issued an official statement on the reopening measures and on the possible mandatory introduction of a “health passport” for visitors to leisure facilities with a capacity of more than 1,000 guests, which is being considered by the government. 

While the association clearly states that it welcomes the reopening of retail, cultural and sports facilities, which is to be carried out in phases over a period from 3 May to 30 June, it questions the realistic feasibility of this for the leisure businesses mentioned above. They would be able to reopen their gates to visitors from 19 May, but would not be allowed to resume operations of their attractions before 9 June, which would of course make no sense in economic terms. The association also criticizes the fact that amusement parks would be compared to major events such as concerts or sporting events, as these differ significantly in the type of visitor flows – which are much easier to control in leisure facilities. 

In addition, the Snelac is against the considered mandatory introduction of a health passport as proof of vaccination for amusement park visitors, as this step – in view of the fact that vaccination is not available in sufficient quantities and to everyone yet – would be an imposition for the family audience with children and teenagers. In particular also against the background that park staff members do not necessarily stand in the first place of prioritization lists themselves. 

Under the government’s current proposals, the operators would have no choice but to forego reopening in the 2021 season, as the ratio of revenue to operating costs would not allow the companies to survive. Thus, the members of the association appeal to the government to consider the specificities of their industry and not to make the health pass mandatory. The official statement in French can be found here. 

Snelac encompasses a network of almost 500 companies, including amusement, water, theme and science parks, zoos, museums, castles, and cultural as well as natural sites. According to the association, this network generates an annual turnover of three billion euros and 63 million visitors. (eap)